Find the Best Things to Do in Hanalei
By Jade Eckardt
About Hanalei
From start to end, Hanalei and the area around it is rich in natural beauty. The small town itself is backed by tall, lush, green mountains with waterfalls cascading down them. Hanalei Bay and other beaches add to the tropical beauty and are a lucky by-product of this, the oldest of the islands. The entire road from Hanalei to Ke`e has ocean views, crosses over rivers, and offers a backdrop of tropical jungle greenery.
See & Do
Hanalei Bay is a crescent-shaped bay on the North Shore hosts a number of enviable beaches, which all share golden sands and clear, calm waters. The bay is protected by coral reefs, and along its two-mile stretch, folks soak in the sun, build sandcastles, and throw frisbees. Water activities include everything from fishing to windsurfing, swimming to kayaking, scuba diving to boating.
Eat
Charm runs rampant at Postcards Cafe, which brings a touch of Old Hawaii to guests via vintage photographs and island postcards. The menu does wonders with the local bounty, mixing fresh produce and seafood to great effect. In the evenings, vegetarian fare that does the genre proud is certain to convert even diehard carnivores. Make sure to try taro fritters and grilled fish, but don't neglect crisp salads, pastas, fish tacos, and quesadillas.
Party
Hip, gleaming Bar Acuda is a chef-run business that has taken the island by storm. Intent on creating stylish atmosphere and scrumptious food, the North Shore place is a great destination for dinner and drinks with friends or with a romantic interest. Diligently searching out top ingredients, chef Jim Moffat crafts them into dishes like lobster-stuffed squid, roast chicken panzanella, and slow-braised beef short ribs.
Stay
Staying true to the natural and simple style of Kauai's North Shore and Hanalei, the Hanalei Inn offers just five quaint and cute rooms, only a block away from beautiful Hanalei Bay. The rooms are without frills and provide queen-sized beds, homey local-style decor, air conditioning, TV, and a covered lanai (porch) to take in the lush mountain views.
Shop
Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, a quaint but wonderful shop in Hanalei, features a collection of treasures from the countries of Oceania, the land of betel nut, crocodiles and headhunters. Many items are museum quality and were collected during the owner's five year voyage around the Pacific by boat. All are one of a kind, including masks, tikis and contemporary jewelry influenced by primitive designs. Every table, sculpture, calabash,necklace — everything — comes with an interesting story.